Briefing Sheets

Sealaska is moving forward with plans to take ownership of Redoubt Falls. Stakes have been placed, and opportunities for public comment on this divisive plan are limited.

Although Sealaska has claimed in the past that the public will continue to have access to the most important subsistence sockeye stream close to Sitka, there doesn’t seem to be a legal mechanism to guarantee public access once the land is transferred. The Sitka Tribes have submitted a letter of support for the transfer which doesn’t mention continued public access.

A Bureau of Land management publication states, ”Do not hunt, fish, or trap on or from a 17(b)easement unless you first get a permit and permission from the Alaska Native corporation who owns the private land.” The regulations in the Bureau of Land Management publication will apply to Redoubt Falls, if transferred to Sealaska. Sealaska attorney Araugo has stated in the past that access to Sealaska land would be granted on a “case by case” basis.

Currently the Forest Service is the agency with the standing to object to the transfer based on protecting the valuable fishery at Redoubt. A strong show of support for keeping Redoubt open to the public is needed through letter to the Forest Service

For more information call SCS at 747-7509. If you would like to take action, please urge the City Assembly to pass a resolution to keep Redoubt Falls public land.